Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Cathy Doll AA Automatic Aura Matte Powder Cushion and Cream Review

You all know by now that I hosted the launch of Cathy Doll AA products last year. Part of the launch were the most talked about AA (Automatic Aura) Matte Powder Cushion and AA Cream.

Aside from being part of the launch, I was also invited by the brand to train their Sales Staffs on how to use both products. I was able to test both products and was impressed with the coverage and shade choices. So impressed yet I told everyone I knew, both products aren't for me! I have combination (normal/dry) skin, these won't work!

I guess, I talked too soon! Because ONE worked so well I can't believe I'm using it! Any guesses?

"This AA cream foundation provides incredibly lightweight texture like the air. This easy-to-blend formula automatically delivers an aura complexion all day long with the Auto Aura, Anti-Acne, and Anti-Aging effects. It provides perfect coverage and naturally smooth appearance to the skin. Moreover, it contains the properties of Tea Tree Oil that helps to control oil and reduces the occurrence of acne; Korean Herb Extract that helps to fade off dark spots caused by acne, while Titanium Dioxide brightens skin tone and protects skin from dullness with the 45x sunscreen protection benefit. This item is well-suited for every skin types including sensitive skin."

For this particular AA Cream, there are a total of 2 shades to choose from, Light Beige and Natural Beige. I picked the latter because Light Beige is too light on me. As for natural Beige, the shade is quite close to my skintone BUT, it does turn a bit grayish on me after a couple of minutes.

Before and After

AMW says ---

Good oil-control yet non-drying.

Has a hint of tea tree oil scent.

Refreshing during and after application.

Lightweight and non-greasy.

Very easy to apply and blend.

Turns grayish on me so it is quite difficult to shade match for most of us.

"Bid farewell to glossy finishing cushion, light textured and non-coverage that ruin your day. Introducing for the first time, a matte finishing AA cushion for an automatically aura complexion as desired. This oil-control formula comes with the latest innovative airy foundation technology to provide cooling sensation while delivering Auto Aura, Anti-Acne, and Anti-Aging effects to the skin. Moreover, this fascinating item contains Tea Tree Oil Extract that helps to reduce the occurrence of acne, Korean Herb Extract that helps to fade off marks and dark spots caused by acne, while the Titanium Dioxide helps to brighten skin tone for a natural smooth appearance,. controls oil all day long and protects skin from dullness. This item is well-suited for every skin types including sensitive skin."

Packaging is just like that of any BB cushions. It comes with a velour sponge that's nice enough to work with.

Swatch: Sand Beige.

There are a total of 3 shades to choose from - 21 Light Beige, 23 Natural Beige and 25 Sand Beige.

If it shocked you why I chose the darkest shade, well I have really tricky skintone so I knew by heart the right color of base makeup for me at a glance! And indeed, it was a perfect shade match for me.

For application, I like to apply using the sponge that comes with the cushion and apply in dabbing motion for better coverage! If you don't have much skin issues, feel free to blend using rubbing motion but I prefer the dabbing motion for extra coverage. I can actually wear this alone without the need of concealer.

Before and After

AMW says ---

Surprisingly, non-drying and no skin irritations considering I NEVER use cushions meant for oily skin.

Gives medium to heavy coverage.

Evens out skin and brightens up the skin at the same time.

Has a tea tree scent which others do not like but you know how much I love Tea Tree Oil!

Skin looks and feels better after use. The breakout I had due to monthly cycle actually dried out faster than usual.

Can be worn alone, I don't need to follow through with a concealer.

Dry skinned users like me can wear this alone, no need to set with powder because of the powder finish.

Now, I want to further continue the experimentation. As much as I would love to give away the AA Cream because it is indeed too grayish on me (especially in person), I tested by patting on top the AA Matte Powder Cushion on the side of my face where I wore the cream. How do you think it'll look?

Before and After (Half Face Test)

Left side of face facing you - combined AA Matte Powder Cushion and Cream

Right side of face facing you - AA Matte Powder Cushion only

Surprisingly, the color Sand Beige from the Matte Powder Cushion lessened the gray tone of my skin, instead, it worked hand-in-hand with the Cream and created even better finish and better coverage! I look like I have full-on face foundation on with Primer underneath and setting powder foundation on top! I feel like my skin is ready for important events because I get really full coverage!

Check out my undereye circles, it helped brighten up the area even more and lessen the undereye darkness.

Now, on a daily basis, I enjoy using just the AA Cushion, maybe, just maybe, on days I needed FULL coverage, I'll use a thinner layer of the AA Cream and apply the cushion as usual.

I am overall surprised with how this manage to work on my skin especially since I always complain about having dry skin! Now keep in mind though that I continuously take care of my skin with a good skincare regimen (that probably helps) so if you have extremely dry and flaky skin, do not take my word for it and purchase both without testing it out! (P.S. sample sizes are available at selected 7-11 stores near you) It is best to do a patch test and prep your skin well before you use any makeup.

Judging by my photos, how do you feel about the newest AA Products from Cathy Doll?

6 comments
:

Hello! Thanks for the in-depth review. I am looking for foundations/cushion powders that will work on my ultra-oily skin (good bases often cost over a thousand pesos and I am willing to spend over 2000). However, if only certain brands will at least sell or give away samples of their foundations/bases because some indeed turn grayish on me (I think it was due to the titanium dioxide if i am not mistaken). Foundations are expensive and if I want to splurge, I want it to work at least :(. So it's good that Cathy Doll sells samples, I am going to check out Cathy Doll here in my location :). Thanks again for the review, it was helpful! I am interested in the cushion one since it's made for oily skin.